CRITTENDEN, Joyce
Posted: September 6th, 2022
Joyce Crittenden
1929 – 2022
Joyce Evelyn Crittenden of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Morris Dickson Crittenden, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, August 31, 2022 at the age of 93.
She was predeceased by her parents Kenneth Spicer and Leila Vail; sister Shirley Spicer; sister Rita Maville; brother Gerald Spicer; sister Audrey Morgan; first husband George Fernihough; daughter Hope Gage; step-daughter Pauline Wilson; former son-in-law Réal Rondeau; granddaughter Julie Bedard and her grandson Peter Gage.
She is survived by a large family who adored her including her brother Hollis (Ann) Spicer; her four daughters: Carmen (Conrad) Bedard, Linda (André Lavigne) Fernihough, Kay (Terry) Crittenden & Betty Ann (John Hoyt) Fernihough; her two stepsons: Terry (Kay) Crittenden and Steven (Linda) Crittenden; two stepdaughters Barbara (Ronnie) Brazeau, Norma (Raymond) Quimette; son-in-law Roy (Hope) Gage, and her cat Sunshine.
Joyce also leaves behind 10 grandchildren: Joanne (Bob Brooks) Gage, Mary Gage, Tracy Bedard, Steven (Erin Musick) Fernihough, Trevor Crittenden, Troy (Tammie Nahas) Crittenden, Jonathan Rondeau, Melissa (Byron Leavitt) Rondeau, Jennifer (Brandon Amundrud) Rondeau, Josh Crittenden; and 12 great grandchildren: Kaleb, Kaela, Connor, Trishanna, Riley, Cassidy, Brady, Taylor, Jaxon, Oakland, Connor & Lucas.
Joyce was born in Cowansville, Quebec. She was one of five siblings. She moved to Alberta in 1971, making Lethbridge her home until the time of her passing.
Joyce served as Executive Director of the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen for 33 years and started working there when it opened in 1984. She was also an active and devoted member of Southminster United Church serving as a mentor, volunteer for various events and service projects and a board member for many years. She was a long-standing member of the Rebekahs service organization, having recently received a pin commemorating 45 years of service.
Joyce received the Governor General’s Caring Canadian award in 2000 in recognition of her numerous contributions to her community. She was also the recipient of a Community Builders Award from MP Rachel Harder in 2018, again in recognition of her many service contributions to the city.
Joyce was known and loved by many for all that she always offered to others. She loved to host and entertain, and you would often find her playing dice, watching hockey and listening to her favorite old country music songs. Her grandchildren have many fond memories growing up being at her house often and enjoying the backyard swimming pool.
She loves flowers and gardening and was always so proud of her yard. She had many pets over the years and loved to take care of animals. She was a fierce fan of the Edmonton Oilers. And back in the day she sure loved her square dancing!
Joyce was the matriarch of her family and a hub for many in our community. She was always a safe and warm gathering place, happy to provide an ear and a smile. She felt a calling to serve the less fortunate and served those who needed her tirelessly. She never held a grudge, never turned anyone away, and was always generous and welcoming. Joyce lived her life with an open and generous heart and was a beloved mother, grammie, great-grammie, sister, aunt, wife and friend.
A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm, on Friday, September 9, 2022 at SOUTHMINSTER UNITED CHURCH, 1011 4 Ave S, Lethbridge, Alberta with Reverend Taylor Croissant, officiating.
Interment will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that people please make a donation to the Last Cat Ranch, https://www.thelastchance catranch.com/donate
Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.